Blog
Biggest EU Digital Shake-Up Since GDPR? What Businesses Need To Know
Christopher Perrin
22 March 2017
Why mining searches are advisable regardless of location: the property buyer’s modern day canary
It is not unusual for property buyers in the UK to find a reference to ground instability in the report on title prepared by their solicitor. Clay-rich soils, on which many UK cities and towns are founded, are prone to shrinking and swelling with changes in moisture content. This may cause significant structural damage to buildings and costs insurers hundreds of millions of pounds a year. Property owners are advised not to allow the ground to become too dry or too wet and not to plant or remove trees in the vicinity of their properties.
21 February 2017
At a loss about the 2016 changes to the JCT Design and Build Contract?
It has been five months since the publication of the JCT Design and Build Contract 2016 (the “JCT DB 2016”).
Many of the amendments to the 2011 edition are form over substance with the objective being to make the JCT DB 2016 more user-friendly by using clearer and more consolidated drafting. There are also more options for users, such as provision for a performance bond, parent company guarantee and sub-contractor third party rights.
20 February 2017
The Life and Soul of the Party Wall Act - top tips on how to maintain a good relationship with your neighbours
As London property prices continue to climb, home owners and developers are constantly on the lookout for new ways to extract additional value from every square foot. The traditionally favoured methods have been to extend out, or upwards, and statistics show such developments are still booming. In March 2015, City A.M reported that there were over 250 towers of 20-storeys or more going through the planning approval process in London. However, the latest trend in some of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods – where space is at a premium and both practical and planning hurdles prevent major development above – is going underground.
2 February 2017
Renting out your home or buy to let property on Airbnb could land you in hot water with your mortgage lender
Some of our recent articles have highlighted important issues that need to be considered when you list your home for rent on Airbnb. In this final part of our Airbnb trilogy, we cover what mortgage lenders think of the growing practice of using websites like Airbnb.
1 February 2017
Are you a “responsible” host? Airbnb enforces 90 night annual limit for London hosts
Since its launch in 2008, Airbnb has gone on to be one of the defining figures in what has come to be known as the “sharing economy”. But with this increased presence and power, comes greater responsibility and Airbnb are under increasing pressure to uphold and also enforce current laws regulating the short-term rental market.